Kevin Weekes Reveals Why He Calls Panthers’ Performance a ‘Master Class’….

NHL analyst and former goaltender Kevin Weekes has seen his fair share of dominant hockey performances, but after Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, he had just two words to sum up the Florida Panthers’ showing: “Master class.”

During a post-game broadcast on ESPN, Weekes broke down why he used such high praise, emphasizing the Panthers’ discipline, structure, and relentless intensity in their latest win against the Edmonton Oilers. Florida’s 4-1 victory didn’t just put them within striking distance of their first-ever Stanley Cup — it showcased what Weekes believes is one of the most complete playoff performances in recent memory.

> “It wasn’t just about talent. It was about commitment to detail. Every player bought into the system, from the stars to the fourth line,” Weekes explained. “That’s what I mean by a ‘master class.’ It’s teaching other teams how to win playoff hockey.”

Tactical Brilliance

Weekes highlighted the work of head coach Paul Maurice, praising his ability to make subtle in-game adjustments that neutralized the Oilers’ top weapons, particularly Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Florida clogged the neutral zone, collapsed defensively when needed, and dominated puck possession — key strategies that Weekes said “suffocated” Edmonton’s offensive rhythm.

> “You watch that game and you see a team dictating every phase — tempo, physicality, defensive shape, and offensive timing,” Weekes said. “It’s something every young team should study.”

Goaltending and Grit

Weekes, a former NHL goalie himself, also gave special recognition to Panthers’ netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, who turned away 32 of 33 shots with poise and precision. Calling Bobrovsky “a wall,” Weekes emphasized how elite goaltending under pressure is the cornerstone of any championship run.

But it wasn’t just the stars. Role players like Eetu Luostarinen and Gustav Forsling earned praise for their quiet consistency — playing mistake-free, sacrificing their bodies, and making smart decisions under pressure.

More Than a Game — A Statement

To Weekes, the Panthers’ Game 4 performance wasn’t just a win; it was a blueprint. A tutorial in playoff execution. A “master class” not just for this series, but for anyone aspiring to lift the Cup.

> “They didn’t just win the game — they owned every shift. That’s the mark of a championship-caliber team,” he concluded.

The Florida Panthers now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead and are on the cusp of history. If they continue playing at this level, Weekes’ description may go down as an understatement.